"Putney Pusher" bus driver reveals his theory of what happened on GMB – as Susanna Reid hails him as a "total hero"

THE bus driver who managed to swerve his double-decker out of the way when a woman was shoved into the road by the 'Putney Pusher' has been hailed a "total hero" by Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid.

Olivier Salbris appeared on the ITV breakfast show to talk about his theory of what happened when the 33-year-old victim was pushed to the ground by a jogger on Putney Bridge, West London, in May.

The last-minute reaction meant he managed to swerve the number 430 just inches away from her head as she lay sprawled on the ground.

When asked by presenter Susanna Reid whether he thought it was an accident, Mr Salbris, responded: "Difficult to say whether it was an accident because the guy passed another man and then went on to the lady – but I do think it was deliberate."

He also said the actions of the runner were that of a "rugby man" and nodded when asked whether it looked like the man had rugby-tackled the woman.

Olivier also told the programme that it did not look like the runner and the victim knew each other.

He added: "She was just in his way – that's why he did it."

In a video segment aired before his interview, Olivier spoke about what was going through his mind at 7.40am on May 5.

Olivier said: "I was going at 12mph on Putney Bride, any faster there might have been a fatal collision.

"If she had died I would have had to live with a weight on my shoulders for the rest of my life.

"This man needs to be caught so he can explain himself, it all happened so quickly, I am just glad I was able to react in time because who knows what would have happened if I didn’t."

Piers and Susanna were quick to praise Oliver for his quick thinking, with Susanna branding him a "total hero".

Witnesses are still being encouraged by cops to come forward if they have any information about the jogger.

He is described as white, in his early to mid-30s, with brown eyes and short brown hair.

He was wearing a light grey T-shirt and dark blue shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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